Armstrong & Getty On Demand
Episode: Votin’ for a Commie
Date: September 9, 2025
Host: iHeartPodcasts
Episode Overview
In this episode of Armstrong & Getty, the hosts dive into several pressing social and political issues with their trademark blend of irreverence and insight. The main throughline is a heated discussion about a viral incident at a Phillies game (dubbed “Philly Game Karen”), used as a springboard to explore contemporary ideas about decency, masculinity, and crowd dynamics. The conversation also moves from the psychology of social shaming to the intricacies of global politics—highlighting polling about “Mumdani the Commie” in New York City, and recent developments in France, Argentina, Ukraine, and Israel. Interwoven throughout are moments of humor, cultural observation, and pointed critique about the state of American education and political discourse.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The “Philly Game Karen” Incident
[05:37–14:07; 28:41–29:07]
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Incident Recap:
- Viral video: A woman demands a home run ball from a father who had just caught it and given it to his son.
- The dad, after being yelled at, gives the ball to the woman, upsetting his son on his birthday.
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Hosts’ Take:
- Jack Armstrong: Outraged at the father’s decision, calling it “cowardly” and “emasculating.”
“So yanking the ball out of your kid's mitt and giving it to the bully, that's how you're going to make the world a better place? Are you effing kidding?” [09:36]
- Joe Getty: Questions the value of de-escalation in this situation, equating it to capitulating to bullies.
“If the bully says, give me your lunch money, and you give it to him, it does end it. You're right. Until the next time, obviously.” [09:45]
- Discussion about viral shaming and the woman being “doxxed” and attacked online; ambivalent about the severity of the pile-on but agree she behaved egregiously.
- Jack Armstrong: Outraged at the father’s decision, calling it “cowardly” and “emasculating.”
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Memorable Moments:
- A blend of biting humor and sharp critique, e.g., “We're going to need your man card, Philly Karen.” [13:52]
- The segment closes with the suggestion that in today's environment, viral fame (for good or ill) is always fleeting—just “wait until Trump does something or Israel bombs something.” [14:25]
2. Internet Outrage & Shaming
[12:33–14:25; 28:41–29:07]
- The hosts discuss the virality of these moments, the rapid escalation to doxxing and workplace consequences, and the challenge of handling fame or infamy online.
- Joe Getty: Offers practical advice for anyone caught in a social media storm:
“Go stay at a Holiday Inn under an assumed name for 48 hours... then it'll be over and nobody will ever remember.” [14:25]
3. Global Affairs: France, Argentina, Israel, & Sanctions
[22:18–24:44; 29:10–30:45; 46:18–47:15]
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France: Parliamentary government in chaos after PM ousted for advocating fiscal restraint; broader commentary on unsustainable government spending.
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Argentina: Anxiety over the return of socialist policies, economic free fall following socialist wins:
“Once you get people addicted to the heroin of socialism, man... they sweat and they crap themselves and they puke a lot to get them off of the heroin of socialism.” [24:20]
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Israel & Hamas: Israel targets Hamas leaders in Qatar—a move criticized in some U.S. media as destabilizing, which the hosts dismiss.
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Trump & Ukraine: Trump reportedly willing to take “significant actions” to end the war in Ukraine, but only if Europeans cooperate fully on sanctions.
4. U.S. Politics: New York City Mayoral Poll
[32:15–37:27]
- Focus on Zoran Mumdani (“Mumdani the Commie”) leading the NYC mayoral race polling:
- “He continues to have a giant lead at 46% of New York City likely voters, almost half. In second place, scumbag Andrew Cuomo at 24%.” [32:30]
- The hosts analyze demographic breakdowns, express astonishment at high levels of support among both young people and college graduates.
- “You should be smart enough as a college graduate to not vote for a communist. Of course, you had communist professors who convince you that communism is a good idea.” [33:37]
- Contemplate the “myth of the rational voter” and how economic misconceptions persist across generations.
5. Culture & Consumerism: Cracker Barrel & “Woke” Backlash
[38:01–40:31]
- Discussion on Cracker Barrel’s supposed remodeling and logo change, partly interpreted by some as a “woke” move.
- The hosts argue this is likely not the case, but reflect on broader anxieties about change in American cultural institutions.
- Humor about the “racist Cracker Barrel” stereotype and related experiences.
6. Education Crisis
[44:47–46:18]
- Concern about new negative data from the “nation’s report card,” highlighting the ongoing decline in high school seniors’ academic performance.
- Praise for economist Roland Fryer’s successful turnaround formula for failing schools—lamenting that public education remains a “jobs program, not an educational institution.”
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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On the Phillies incident:
“Hell, I rarely go to a game I don't end up in a fight with a middle aged woman. Means nothing to me.” – Jack Armstrong [10:57]
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On education:
“Schools are now a jobs program. They're not an educational institution anymore.” – Jack Armstrong [46:06]
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On socialism:
“Once you get people addicted to the heroin of socialism, man... they sweat and they crap themselves and they puke a lot to get them off.” – Jack Armstrong [24:20]
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On New York City mayoral polling:
“The most monumental gleaming testament to free market capitalism that exists on earth... 60% of the people who live there want a communist.” – Joe Getty [34:38]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Prune anecdotes & banter: 04:05–05:37
- Philly Game Karen deep dive: 05:37–14:07, 28:41–29:07
- Internet shaming/viral aftermath: 12:33–14:25
- Global political trends (France, Argentina): 22:18–24:44
- Israel-Gaza update: 29:10–30:45
- Epstein poll focus group: 25:05–31:56
- NYC commie mayoral poll analysis: 32:15–37:27
- Cracker Barrel & “woke” panic: 38:01–40:31
- Education report card commentary: 44:47–46:18
- Trump, Ukraine, and sanctions: 46:18–47:15
Tone & Language
True to Armstrong & Getty style, the episode weaves topical news with opinion, biting humor, and moments of sincere exasperation. The language is informal and candid, at times intentionally provocative, particularly when challenging social norms or popular sentiment. The hosts balance cultural critique with an undercurrent of “everyman” skepticism and a consistent anti-authoritarian streak.
Final Thoughts
- Recap of main stories and a promise to revisit the Philly Karen situation with listener feedback.
- Signature song parody closes out the episode, poking fun at topics discussed (“Five prunes today, hot prunes today…”).
For those who missed it, this episode is a rapid-fire tour through viral news, the absurdities of modern culture, global political shifts, and the never-ending contest between social outrage and old-fashioned common sense—with Armstrong & Getty’s characteristic mix of sharp wit and world-weary perspective.